BUGS

          My favorite part of Kansas was... the BUGS! I found so many fascinating creatures in the forests of Kansas that I decided to dedicate and entire blog post to it sooooo, hope your not squeamish!

The Countdown Begins.

          Twenty five days. That's how many days until I walk across the stage and become an AmeriCorps alum. Crazy huh? I'm excited, scared, and sad that this chapter of my life is so close to completion. I have a lot more to talk to you about on the subject, but I'm sure you all want to here what I've been doing for the past two months! Yup, its been that long since my last post!

KANSAS
          Well, let me just begin with something Ive learned, Kansas is a fabulous state. Really! From May 7th to June 14th I lived in Junction City, Kansas, on the banks of Milford Lake. Our project sponsor was the town of Junction City who asked us to help them build a brand new city park. Longtime residents of Junction City, the Hellands, donated 54 acres of their land to the the city so the city chose to build a new park to be known as Helland Park. It was up to us, AmeriCorps Team Sun 5, to build all the trails in the park, as well as clear and 'beautify' the land for use. While working in the city, the local Milford Lake State Park allowed us to use one of their campsites to live. Our campsite was beautifully perched lakeside with modern day amenities in short driving distance; a perfect place to disconnect from society and immerse oneself in the landscape. I'll let my photographs tell the rest of the story:

Our lakeside campsite; also known as home

Erica Smith helps clear brush for a new trail

Carissa Hanson chainsaws as the morning sun peers through the trees

The team stands proud as a new trail is named after them!

a completed section of trail that winds along rivers edge

The city thanks us with a great party and free steak dinner!